Do plants have mitochondria?

Like other organisms, plants have mitochondria in order to generate ATP, an energy molecule that powers cellular function. ATP is created in the mitochondria of both plants and animals in a process called respiration.

The mitochondria found in plants have a rounder shape than the mitochondria found in animals. Mitochondria are surrounded by a double membrane. The outer membrane is smooth, while the inner membrane is folded. This folded inner membrane increases the surface area, allowing the organelle to operate more efficiently. Mitochondria are unique among the cell organelles due to their ability to replicate and because they contain their own DNA and ribosomes.